When you’re born in the Osage Country of Oklahoma, steer roping is just part of who you are. That’s Chet Herren in a nutshell, born in Pawhuska, Okla., 32 years ago and still working the rangeland.

This weekend marks the sixth time in Herren’s career he has qualified for the Clem McSpadden National Finals Steer Roping, his fourth consecutive trip to the finale. Last November, he placed in just three go-rounds inside this arena, but he won the eighth and finished the two-day tournament with $10,000.

He wants to take it up a notch this weekend. The average championship is well within his grasp, but he knows it’s going to take consistent roping, which is what he’s done in victories all across the country, from Ellensburg, Wash., to Anadarko, Okla., to Belville, Texas.

Herren is closing in on $300,000 in career earnings. A good two days inside the Lazy E Arena can help Herren quite a bit.

Of course, he’s consistently proven that he’s one of the best in the business. That’s why he’s here.